Good Stuff

Played the HHBC college service last night with Todd, Ryan, and Paul. We got there on time, and the youth service hadn't let out yet....translation, late seup time.....meaning, zero time to mess with anything. Ended up not doing loops,, not a big deal at all. We soundchecked a bit and then ran the set. Set went well, I screwed up a couple of times for the reason that I have played "Unchanging" with like four different people and the arrangement is always different. No biggie!

During the message, Todd wanted to do a new song. Never played it before, but "For Your Name". Paul had never heard the song, let alone played it, so we got up and gave it a shot with no practice. For not practicing and learning it on the spot, it went well. I am looking forward to playing more with these guys. It seems to click very well together.

Anywho, figured I would update. Have a long day of cleaning ahead of me. Fun fun fun!

Fantastic Day

Yesterday was a great day, a FANTASTIC day at that. Was it because I woke up late and missed class? Nope, I was somewhat disappointed about that (plus I lost a bet with Brad, darn, I owe him lunch). It was for a lot of reason which I will share with you.

First off, had lunch with John Rolf. Paul, Angela, and myself met him around noon and we went to Casa Tomas. It all came about by him being at Crosspoint on Sunday. See, we played, and I sat down for the message. Larry got a bit jittery and talkative, so I was going to walk outside, let him do his business, and go back in. I walk out in to the foyer and Mike gets my attention and says, "I want you to meet this guy I am going to recommend for worship leader. His name is James." At this point I am looking at the guy and my eyes aren't connecting, but it looks like John. I shake his hand and he sort of laughs, and I knew then it was him.

He told us a lot about the church. It's very amazing, very big, very different. He had a DVD and he showed us some of the music and it was freakin awesome! They did that Tomlin song "On Our Side" and it just sounded superb. We talked about some of the little issues we are having at the church and music stuff he was interested in. He also gave me a CD that the church produced with about three worship leaders doing there original music. DANG! This CD is very good. The production quality is fantastic, songwriting is very good, and the band did a phenominal job. I am supposed to meet with him again Thursday and run some drum loop stuff.

So I come home and realy it seems to be a lazy day. I watched Roseanne and ate some goldfish, actually it was Seinfeld and baked Lays. And around 6 I decided I was going to do something productive....and I didn't. Something grabbed my attention....my PDA. I sat down and I started reading my Bible, and I just couldn't put the thing down. I kept reading and asking myself questions. That truly the first time that's happened, but it was AWESOME! (More later)

So around 8:30p I start on finishing a review for a test for Angela and I. I finish all 25 questions in about 2 hours. They took some time, but it was cool. That's the first time I feel that I have sat down and willingly finished something like that.

Angela gets home and we talked about the Bible stuff. I went online and found out that the NIV bibles cost money for the PDA. I have a little bit but not enough to get that and make it until next week....Angela bought me one of them! It was a bundle, like, it had a few dictionaries, atlas', and the Message Bible (which was interesting to look at). I was very thankful she did that because I was reading the Modern KJV (which isn't bad). I read a little more and went to sleep.

It truly was a fantastic day because I think God is showing me that I just need to keep going the way I am in school. Not to change my major, not to give up. And that He has provided me the means to be in HIs word and that I need to take advantage of that.

Just Something I'm Thinking About

Ya know, I don't mention very often and don't typically stop to appreciate it....but, I am truly blessed. I have been given so much...so many things I am not even deserving of. I have been blessed with a wonderful relationship, that sometimes I feel I may take for granted. I have the most wonderful girlfriend in the world! I have a great family, who supports and loves me for what I do and who I am. I have incredible friends who do so much for me and never let me down. I am able to attend college which I definately take for granted. I have been given the ability to make music. Something everyone enjoys, I have been blessed with the ability to create it. Isn't that AWESOME! And most importantly, I am so blessed to know that I stand in the presecne of God at all times. I am amazed at how Christ died for me and my sin. The things I do and say that just do nothing for the Kingdom, were all erased when His blood was shed.

In my busy life I feel like some times I need to slow down and truly thank Him for everything I have been blesed with. I just thought I would share some things I was thinking about.

Where Will You Be Summer '06?

I read that somewhere today on an on-campus advertisement for some summer internship. It's a question alot of college student think about for the remainder of the semester. I emailed some stuff to Jonathan Martin today and he's been pumped about playing some events this summer. It got me thinking, what am I going to be doing?

It is glaringly obvious that I am giddy at the prospect of playing some with folks. I really desire to be utilized by different folks this summer. Already, Todd has a district camp of some sort in mid-summer so hopefully that will pan out. I am just really interested in dedicating a chunk of time to music, mainly because I love it and secondly because I feel I've been blessed with a talent so I should share that. Right, isn't that what it's about?

If anyone knows of folks looking for a drummer....hmmm, don't all two of you rush to drop me an email.....but, if anyone is looking (or you know of someone looking), please let me know. I am seriously interested!

In other news, very uneventful day today. Didn't do much....went to the Crosspoint Mission Trip "Reunion-ish" thing this evening. A little disappointed because not everyone showed up, but it was still fun and I got to have a free dinner (ahhhh yes).

Tomorrow is going to be a long one. Have class, church directory pictures, and a slew of other things to do. Until later....

Stuck...

I'm stuck. I know what's right and wrong here. I know what needs to be done....but connecting those together is the tough part. First off, I have stated time and time again, "I'm done with Wesley". Why can't I just come out and say that UP FRONT and HONESTLY.

I met with Tom and Carl today and couldn't just flat out say "I'm done". I think I am just too nice. I've always said, I think God blessed me wth my abilities to help serve His people. I feel like whenever some one is in need of those talents/abilities, I love to jump at the opportunity because I feel God blessed me for a reason. I felt like when I left I was just belittled and manipulated. I am done with that. I am done with the manipulation. I am going to stand up for what I believe is right. Whether it be theology or just the fact I don't want to be bullied....not the point here. In the next week I am going to tell Tom the reason I am leaving Wesley, and it may not go down so well, but it's the way it is going to be.

On a lighter note.....summer and fall plans are falling together nicely (there's just no easy way to transition from that). I am always seeking God on my destination for college. I am sick and tired of wasting time and if I continue to call the shots, I will be here for nearly a decade. It's time for me to give it up and let Him show me where I am supposed to go. I am starting to think teaching would be good, but I just don't know. I want to be excited about something for once, other than getting out of here. Hey, I should just move to Nashville and go to Belmont......I wish.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention this....I got a PDA yesterday. Got it for a few reasons; the screen lends itself to reading hte Bible very easy....which was a plus and a half for me (it's difficult to find something portable to read for a Bible...does that make sense), it keeps me organized schedule-wise, it's got WiFi and Bluetooth, and it can play mp3's and video. It wasn't too expensive and I think it will help with alot of aspects of my life. Kinda weird huh?

Until later...

As promised....

This past week was so amazing. I've had to catch myself from talking about it so much. It was just such an awesome experience that I've walked away with so much. The social stuff was fantastic (I will go more indepth), but my spiritual growth was just amazing.

We left Sunday for Louisiana at around 9ish. I got there at 6am with Angela to see her off and ended up going over to church and helping Mike with sound and staying for the music at the first service. We prayed and headed out. This whole time, I was a bit nervous and reluctant of why I was going. I wanted to, but just was not sure if anything would really come of it.

We got in town in about 2 hours. Had forgotten how close it would be! The car ride gave me a little time to talk with the girls (Paul and I rode with the ladies for the most part....you know how we roll - did I just say that?) When we rolled into where we were staying, I was very suprised at our acccomodations. We were in cabins right on the lake. It was gorgeous. We unpacked and a couple of the girls, Alan, and I headed to the dock of the lake. We hung out, sat around, and chated. Just in the time talking, I knew I was wanted there...one thing I have never felt before.

Daniel (another one of the guys there) and I wnet canoeing shortly after. Really the reason we went is because I was worried about Sidney and Bethaney who had went out and got swept away to the other side of the lake. We zipped around for a bit and headed back.

We went to the Methodist church that first eveniung and got to meet with our site volunteers Gary and Connie. I was quickly reassured that I would be working that week. Connie said I was going to get to wire the hosue and help insulate the outside of the house! DANG! We hung out and talked for a bit and it was just so comforting to be in the presensce of the Lord and good friends!

That evening for our devotional time, we shared our testimonies. Ya know, I never get tired of sharing mine. It is so amazing how God can always lead you back to Him. Bethaney said it perfectly "I am glad to know that I am not the only one with a past." But, I've been thinking, you have to have a past to have a future.

The week went amazing! Connie worked with me for the first two days, but after that, I found things I could do and just did them. The wiring got done quickly and I soon found out that hammering was something I enjoyed doing. I even ended up on the roof with Sidney and Bethaney on Friday. I even used a power saw!!! Singling was fun too! I think I got more experience building a house than most people do on similar mission trips. The even better part is, everyone was willing to let me try stuff. And EVERYONE was encouraging. Not a negative word was said about me, even when I was slower and not quite getting it.

Socially, we did alot. Volleyball and board games wer very common during the week. Never played volleyball, but even though I stunk at it, I had a blast. And they let me and wanted me to play! Never have I ever felt so wanted! On past retreats (Wesley mainly), I was told I was wanted, but no one seemed to care. We would play games and people wouldn't help in any way. This group loved on me and took care of me even though I wsn't as fast or competent. It was so uplifting!

Spiritually, God spoke to me. All week! Every day! It was so fantastic! I have been in sort of in a stagnant sort-of "where do I go now" phase. I feel like God showed me. I learned so much about the Word and what He wants from me. I feel like I was encouraged as a Christian more than Wesley ever did in three years. I don't mean to bash, but, it is hard to imagine being back in that istuation. God made it all fall together and led me to Grace for this experience. I have never been in a gruup this size where after a week I didn't have a problem with someone. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANYONE, not even a small one!!!! They were great! We were all at the same spot, where we just needed a jump start. Every situation fell together to make it easy to just stand in awe of Him. The week, in Paul's words, was more of a retreat plus work. We were also so energize and refreshed in Christ. I was walking away with that taste where I just craved more of Christ!

I keep saying it, but, from the little things like going out in the middle of the night and playing pranks on the girls, I felt wanted and involved. I am so thankful that I started getting involved with Crosspoint and Grace and didn't just stay home instead. I feel like this is a beginning to some amazing things. He's not done with me, and He's never given up, and I won't either. No matter how far I've been away from Him, He's always helped me back. I am so blessed and glad I have 9 other folks there along with me for the ride!

Thanks for all of your prayers and support! They were answered and I am so glad you were a part of this! Until tomorrow...

Whataweekend

I purposely spelled it like that. I wanted you to all know I am back safe and sound in Nacogdoches. One thing....the most fantastic spiritual experience ever! You will all be filled in tomorrow or the next day. I have a lot to soak in and some much to say....but know that you will have lots to read and look at!

Life on the Road

I had a gig in Tyler with Todd, Paul, and Ryan (hopefully next time you see Ryan's name, he'll have a link!). Gig went very well. Here's a few things that scared me up top:

- First off, Paul and I had all the sound equipment in my mom's Expedition....and we were running late. Umm, that doesn't add up to well.

- Secondly, we got there asnd found out we were playing in the second smalles room that I have ever played in (ummm....ask Paul).

- There weren't very many kids coming to this retreat.

Ok, so that wasn't even an accurate guess of how the weekend could have been because it went so well. The kids (about 20) were very responsive. Ya know, it's always hard to tell at those things if it is just that emotional high (from being away from home at a camp) if that is affecting them. It's definately my prayer that their worship was sincere, which I am sure it was. They seemed very focused and not too distracted. It made our job easier, and much more enjoyable.

Alright, os over the next couple days I will share funny tidbits that I was privledged to be a part of. HOPEFULLY, you can see just how much better I am at recalling details than my fellow friends that went on this trip. Show some love, show some love!

The key phrase of the weekend.....

So, at dinner on Friday night, I talked about the time I got a visit from the HoustonChronicle salesperson and he essentially just gave me a subscription. All I had to remember was "I paid with cash". Easy enough?

Soon enough, every one started using my lines. Gosh, every other word was....."blah blah blah, I paid with cash"....those dorks!


Scavagening
So, even before the whole, "I paid with cash" thing, we had to get to dinner first. Ryan and Todd already ate, so it was pretty much up to Paul and me. We're so indecisive. We drove (15 mins. at this point) to IHOP. They were packed! We circled on by Whataburger (WHAT - A - BURGER, not WATER-BURGER). They are equally packed!. We drivearound and can't find anything. We ended up back at IHOP. An hour, just down the hole. Then we go into IHOP, and the hostess is sitting on the floor in the walkway inside of IHOP (like that little in-between fouyer thing). She asks us how many people we have. We tell her and she continues to sit there. OK, why did we even tell her?

After waiting another 15 minutes, not bad not bad, we sit at a booth, and the waitress asks us, "how many people are ya'll having?".....hmmmm.....really there are too many smart mouthed comments I could make here! Other than the little "duh" moments, it was a great meal. Cinna-stacks rock!

more to come!!!

Alright in other news, I am going to Maryland (April 20-25th). Todd and I will be meeting up with a bass player up there and Forrest will fly in from Nashville. Also, Robert will aide in the funkified grooves with some percussion. It is going to be a blast!

I leave for mission trip this upcoming week. Thanks to all for your financial support as well as your prayers (which are JUST AS IMPORTANT!). It's going to be a lot of fun. We will leave on Sunday and come back the following Saturday. Keep me in your prayers that week, and all the others involved for that matter.

Alright, I will share some more lovely details about the retreat tomorrow. Until then...